The next-generation Audi A3 destined for American shores will not be the four-door hatchback that we've come to know, but a small sedan instead. It's an unconventional move from Audi, yet the automaker clearly hopes to win hearts, minds and dollars by positioning the 2015 Audi A3 as a premium compact four-door.

The 2015 Audi A3 will be based on a new lightweight platform designed for front- and all-wheel-drive applications. Compared to the current A3, the new model is slightly longer for improved proportions and interior space.

In the U.S., the A3 will offer three turbocharged four-cylinder engines: a 1.8-liter making 170 horsepower, a 220-hp 2.0-liter, and a 2.0-liter diesel generating 150 hp. All three engines join a six-speed automated manual dual-clutch transmission. The A3 will also offer Audi's four-mode Audi drive select, which allows the driver to choose one of four modes that adjust throttle response, steering effort and shift points.

A soft-top convertible model arrives in late 2014, as does the high-performance S3 model making an estimated 290 hp from its 2.0-liter engine. A plug-in hybrid called the Sportback will follow next year.

The 2015 A3's interior should get a push further upmarket, offering standard leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth, an MMI navigation system with 7-inch display, a WiFi hotspot connection, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and even a cell phone booster antenna. Audi's pre-sense safety system, which pre-loads the brakes and seatbelts when it senses an impending collision, comes standard, while options include blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control.

The 2015 Audi A3 will go on sale this spring starting at $30,795, just a hair's width less than one of its primary rivals, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. Check back for a full review of the 2015 Audi A3, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.